JESUS’ WORDS
“‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'” (Matthew 28:19)
Baptism doesn’t save a person, but it is an important next step in a Christian’s faith.
Let me share with you a few things about baptism.
A COMMANDMENT
First, it (water baptism) is not man’s idea neither is it church tradition that says a Christian should be baptized.
Rather, it is the Lord’s commandment that believers be baptized. (Mark 16:15-16)
I REPENT
Second, what person is essentially doing when he is baptized is he’s declaring once and for all:
“I repent of my sins, accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, receive His forgiveness and commit myself to live for and obey Him from this day forward.”
IDENTIFYING WITH CHRIST
Third, a believer is identifying with our Lord in His death and resurrection by being baptized. (See Romans 6:3-5)
He’s burying (turning his back on) his “old sinful ways” (being immersed in water) and he’s rising again in newness of life (coming up out of the water).
DELIVERANCE FROM SIN
And finally, fourth, in the words of Jack Hayford, “Water baptism is intended to be a moment of deliverance for [Christians after the picture of Israel coming out of Egypt and passing through the Red Sea (a type of baptism! – 1 Corinthians 10:1-2)]. In [baptism] every bondage and yoke are broken and [our] future is opened to fullest freedom in Christ.”
So you see there’s much more to being baptized than just getting wet!
(Baptism via pixabay)
You might also be interested in:
- There Are So Many Religions Today, Aren’t They All Just Like Christianity?
- Why Should a Person Become a Christian When the Church Itself is Full of Hypocrites?
About Pastor Mike
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